The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-28

tween my cousin and herself, and the at
fair went on until it reached climax, for
Genevieve loved him with all her heart
1t was during Madam's absence that
was persuaded into being an assistant in
fastening their union, by going with my
cousin into an adjoining State where the
laws respecting marriage were less strin-
gent than here. The journey was per-
formed by rail. Genevieve's lover, who,
1 may add, was my beau-ideal of all that
was lovable and heroic in man, met us
at the station. The marriage service was
performed, and before ten o'clock that
same night we were home, and not an in
dividual IN, or out of the house, knew of
1t. 1t seems worse than folly, when /
think, that in another year she would
have come into possession of her proper
ty and could have openly married the man
whom she loved with an affection strong
as life. 1t was not strange that she loved
him, for beyond the fascination of person
and manner, he seemed at heart one of
natures noblemen. Loving my cousin
as did, it was easy to do what / could
to please her and the man Of her choice.
Through all that season I was the friend
and ally of both.
"After my aunt's return, she seemed to
think that the time had come for her to
put stop to the young mans attentions,
as his visits at the house were more fire.
quent, on one and another pretext. She
finally forbade Gennie's taking lessons in
Spanish; did everything possible to break
up the intimacy between her step-daught-
er and the Cuban adventurer, as she
called him, excepting turning him out OF
the house. Now my aunt meant to be
just in her dealings with every one,
even if two infatuated young lovers could
not believe it.
Between hel aunt's frigid pride and her
lover husbands impetaosity, poor Gennie
had hard time of it.
"You know there are natures that can
no more assimilate than oil and water,
and no effort can bring together elements
so entirely antagonistic. Madam and
the Cuban were of that sort. The time
came when matters eliminated in an
open conflict between the two. Madam
declared that his visits to Gennie must
cease. She was polite, but as frigid as
an iceberg, and bitter as the north wind.
It required all my cousins influence to
prevent an outbreak on the part of her
lover, and all her fortitude to bear her
step-mother's harshness after he left the
door, (though she contrived to inform
him she would meet him in the garden
that night. Coming in from school just
then, l heard madam saying, He is only
Cuban adventurer, and his audacity in
hoping to marry the daughter of Judge
Carroll is past endurance l saw Gennie
vince and turn pale at this, while the in
digDant woman proceeded: IF you have
no more respect for yourself and family
in this infatuation, I will take the matter
into my hands, Then, Notwithstanding
her protestations to the contrary, my
aunt, whose will was law in her house
hold, made haste to send her away to a
relative in Vermont, with strict injunc-
tions that she was neither to see, or hear
from the Cuban, from that time forth.
"Then he was furious, all the hot blood
of his tropical nature took fire at this
oh 10,
from me the information needed, he start
ed off in quick pursuit. It seemed strange
to me that he did not at that time an
nounce his secret marriage, but learn
ed afterward that Gennie had extracted
a promise, that he would not divulge it
until she gave her consent.
"Genevieve's escort was cousin of my
aunt, who, having business that way, had
undertaken to see her landed at her des-
tination. There was but little time for ma
dam was fearfully prompt. Gonzales, how
ever, made the most of it,and overlook the
travellers at way-station where some de-
lay had accidentally occurred. Here he
confronted her escort, and after some
quick and sharp alteration between the
two men, Gennie declared her intention
to return with Gonzales. The minute
for starting came, all aboardp was heard.
Mr.. Conlin, having imperative business
requiring him to proceed Immediately,
was ve&ed and worried at the turn affairs
had taken; but when Gennie whispered
to him excitedly, I'VE are truly married
and what is the use of trying to separate
us?' he said: If this is the case, you
must go your own way, cannot hinder
you Rushing forward he jumped on
the starting train, leaving the young pair
standing on the platform together. 1t
seems it had been Jennie's plan to send
for Gonzales as soon as she was settled
in her new quarters, and then and there
they would announce their marriage.
That was brief season of delight TO the
two hearts as they leisurely journeyed
back to M, planning their future,
with all the joy and enthusiasm of young
love. They would defy madam to her
face, and then start for his beautiful
Island-home, where Gonzales assured
her she would meet with warm welcome
from the dear ones there. I shall never
forget the evening of their arrival. We
were in the south parlor; fire burned
ON the hearth, for the nights were get
ting chilly. Madam and the Professor